Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis

Family: Balitoridae

A peaceful Sichuan hillstream loach, an algivore balitoridae that thrives only in cool, fast, oxygen-rich water — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
6.9–9.8 cm
Minimum tank
98 L
Water layer
Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful
Origin
东亚淡水水系

Species overview

Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis is a Balitoridae. In the aquarium it stays peaceful. Plan on 6.9–9.8 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Sinogastromyzon puliensis, Sinogastromyzon wui.

Native biotope

Habitat
Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow
Strong current with heavy aeration
Dissolved O₂
Demands high dissolved oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape
Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants
Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet
Algivore; quality prepared foods with variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
  • China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
  • Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
  • Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful. Solitary, pairs or small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis get, and what tank size?

Expect 6.9–9.8 cm as an adult, living bottom; rests and forages low. A 98 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis eat?

Algivore; quality prepared foods with variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis live with other fish?

Peaceful; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis come from?

Native to 东亚淡水水系, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Strong current with heavy aeration; Demands high dissolved oxygen.

How does Sinogastromyzon szechuanensis breed?

In the aquarium: spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.